Park Lights - Round Two
Previous story: Park Lights Update
They stand tall and dark along the side of Pak Tam Road and most residents are pleased that the only light emanating from them is the reflective strip that catches the car headlights as they pass in the night.
Approximately 2/3 of the 80-odd proposed lights had been quietly erected along Pak Tam Road between Lady MacLehose Village and Uk Tau Village (at the bottom of the hill past Pak Tam Au, where the MacLehose sections 2 and 3 intersect) before residents called for a meeting with the Highways Department (HyD) in May 2006. After hearing their views and arguments, the only lights that have been turned on to date are those at village entrances.
The key messages given to HyD, AFCD and local officials from both Tai Po and Sai Kung was that lights between the villages would have major environmental impact, ultimately increase the speed of vehicles along the road, and speed the process of development within what should be considered a special conservation area. They also felt that hikers came to the park to see the stars and get away from the glare of urban lighting.
They were told at the meeting that several hiking groups had requested the lights and that Kadoorie Farm had been consulted and stated that they would have no impact upon nocturnal wildlife. Residents asked for copies of these letters and reports but none, to date, have been forthcoming. According to one Kadoorie Farm official asked recently – they are not aware of such a consultation.
In response to a request for copies of letters sent by villagers requesting the lights – officials showed correspondence written long after the lights had been erected which stated that eco-tourism was a factor behind their request for new lights. However, it was clear that their request was for lights around the villages – not along the uninhabited part of the road.
On 8 March Peter Chan, Chief Engineer/Lighting for the HyD, emailed those in attendance at the May meeting and said: “For safety and security reasons, we need to provide road lights for this section of Pak Tam [Road]. Because of the environmental concerns, we have developed options on the provision and implementation of road lights thereat and would like to explain in details in a meeting.”
This meeting was held on 29 March at Sai Kung Country Park Visitor Centre and Explore will report on its outcome in a subsequent E-News and on the website. However – if you feel strongly about street lights along Pak Tam Road from Lady MacLehose Village to Uk Tau Village, it is not too late to make your views known to Mr. Chan and the two District Officers involved.
Continued Story: Lights to Stay